I did the observation already and wrote down all the necessary details. I uploaded my written observation please let me know if more information is needed!
Now that you are an expert in developmentally appropriate programs for children, it’s time to go out into the community and complete a professional observation using the ECERS observation tool. You will complete the observation and develop a final paper that describes the program, addresses their score in the 6 subscales, with documentation and evidence to support the score.
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1.Introduce the project to the reader, briefly explain the ECERS, and describe the program where you observed. (Use a pseudonym.)
2. Introduce the classroom and describe the environment for the reader. Describe the learning centers, the schedule, the outdoor area, and give examples of the materials available to children.
3. Complete the entire scale using the SCORESHEET and the ECERS-3 Profile. Demonstrate accurate scoring. The profile should be fully utilized in the assignment with copious notes that document and validate observation in every category.
4. Look at the ECERS-3 Profile. Select one subscale that scored very high and explain why they received such a high score with examples from at least 2 items. Demonstrate what they have or did to receive their score.
5. Look at the ECERS-3 Profile. Select one subscale that scored low and explain why they received such a low score with examples from at least 2 items. What was missing? What did they omit?
6. Select at least two of the low scoring items and develop a plan for improvement. Reference the ECERS-3 and apply the course content to describe what they can do to raise their scores. If the program scored very high overall this may be challenging but even the best programs can continue to evaluate their quality.
7. Conclusion.
8. You do not need to cite the ECERS throughout the paper if you have introduced it but be sure to list it as your reference.
Getting Ready to Observe:
There are a few things you should consider as you prepare for an observation.
Note: Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for this project. Sometimes programs cancel, the teacher you want to observe is on vacation, or you are ill. Plan to complete this observation early enough to allow for problems.
Make formal arrangements with the observation site. Remember the expectations of time, whatever is reasonable depending on what you need to observe (4 hours, or perhaps two separate visits). Be sure to arrive on time and be dressed in a professional manner. Whether the children will be inside in a cafeteria or outside on the playground, dress appropriately.
Start with a solid plan. Don’t simply “wing it.” Read your ECERS booklet several times and decide exactly how you will fill it out. Make a copy of the SCORESHEET and make notes directly on each page. Transfer the scores onto the profile page after you leave the program.
Take booklet, several pencils, watch (no cellphones, please), and measuring tape. (You will need to be sure cots are far enough apart, fall zone adequate).
Know exactly what the objectives of the observation are. Write them ahead of time, so your observation can be focused.
As an observer, you are a passive member of the environment and you should not disrupt normal activities/interactions. Don’t interact with the adults, or chat with the children. Act like a fly on the wall. I usually suggest that students enter the environment with a plain look. In other words, go in and look at the artwork on the walls first, open a few cupboards and look for cleaning supplies. Act boring. The children will see you enter and then go on about their business. If you enter with a big smile on your face, they will be drawn to you, making it very difficult to observe them in a naturalistic setting. Find a quiet area and settle in for the observation.
For complete information you need to dig around a little bit. You may need to open the dress-up bins to look for evidence of clothing for boys, or check the art closet for evidence of collage materials. However, if it is not on a low shelf in the classroom, it is not accessible and this should be noted in your report.
Be aware of your own biases–scientific objectivity is your goal. If possible, bracket your biases away before the observation. Certainly, you should strive to eliminate these when writing up your observation. For example, a classroom that has only a few items in a learning center can still earn high scores if the teachers are warm, active and engaged.
Write a rough draft as soon as possible after your observation–or you will forget details and be less accurate in your report.
Confidentiality is important. Unless you observe something extraordinarily dangerous, you should not discuss your observation with anyone. The children should remain anonymous and the name of the child care center should remain anonymous as well.
Writing the Report:
One challenge to naturalistic observation is writing a professional report using objective language. Before you can write up the report, you need to understand the difference between objective and subjective language. Your job is to state the facts, only the things that you observe during the observation. For example, let’s look very closely at the subscale item Promoting Acceptance of Diversity.
If you are objective you might tell me that the program scored very high because they had several examples of books, pictures and materials that represented a wide variety of cultures (and provide examples). You would explain that they had a variety of foods and props in their dress-up area including a wok and Chinese food, avocados, tacos, and sushi. You would list the dress-up clothes for both boys and girls including men’s shoes, a briefcase and a variety of outfits to represent occupations. You might explain an activity that was observed where the children were talking about how people share different customs and one little girl was talking about how her Grandma makes latkes on special occasions.
If you are biased and/or subjective, you might score a program higher than is warranted. Perhaps they don’t have any examples of culture represented but the teacher tells you it is not necessary because all of the children are Caucasian. Perhaps there are no cultures represented in the book area but the teacher tells you she had to put them away because they were replaced with theme-based books. She doesn’t have a variety of cultures represented in the dress-up area because they don’t have enough money to buy different kinds of play food. Overall there is very little culture represented but she seems so nice…
State the facts and only the facts. Your report should list how the category was scored and include examples of what you observed. It needs to be out and available to children to count. Even a teacher that appears very nice can score low on a subscale item, that’s why this observation is so important.
Please review the ECERS written assignment evaluation rubric that will be used to evaluate your work.
